Gaming machine

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to a gaming machine that displays an array of randomly selected symbols and pays winnings on any winning symbol combinations appearing on paylines carrying a bet wherein groups of symbols are sequentially positioned in the array until the array is complete.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machine. The inventionhas been developed primarily for computerized gaming machines such asstand alone “poker machines” or Internet facilitated gaming. In light ofthe prevalence of these forms of gaming, the invention will be describedherein with reference to that application. However, the invention is notlimited to this and may be suitable for many other applications.

[0002] Gaming machines have long been known and are now one of the mostcommon forms of gambling. Usually gaming machines will simulate awell-known game of chance. One of the oldest and best known forms ofgaming machine is the rotating reel type “poker machine”. Poker machinesuse a series of three, four or five reels, each reel having symbols onits peripheral edge. The reels are rotated upon the placement of a betand then stopped to produce an array of randomly arranged symbols.Winnings are paid if the random arrangement of symbols matches one ofthe predetermined winning combinations.

[0003] Gaming machines can “pay winnings” in a variety of ways. Theseinclude dispensing money, dispensing tokens that can be redeemed formoney, or simply adding credits to a credit meter that can be used forplacing future bets or redeemed as money. More recently these gamingmachines have been computerized in the form of stand alone machines orsimulations of the stand alone machines accessible via the Internet.Computerized machines usually award winnings in the form of creditstallied on a credit meter. In light of their wide spread use, theinvention will be described in the context of this type of winningspayment mechanism. However those skilled in the art will readilyunderstand that the term encompasses other many payment mechanisms.

[0004] More recently, these gaming machines have been computerized witha video screen replacing the physically rotating reels. Typically, thedisplay screen presents an array of symbols in five columns and threerows equating to the symbols that would normally be seen on the fivephysically rotating reels of an old style mechanical machine. Upon theplacement of a wager, the five columns of symbols move downwardly acrossthe display screen and then stop in order to simulate a series ofspinning reels.

[0005] Computerized gaming machines use a video screen display insteadof physically rotating reels. The display typically presents an array ofsymbols in five columns and three rows equating to the symbols thatwould normally be seen on the five physically rotating reels of an oldstyle mechanical machine. Computerized machines have allowed players tosimultaneously bet on the combination of symbols appearing in manydifferent part of the array. These parts of the array are often referredto as “paylines” consisting of lines of adjacent symbols extendingthrough the array. The symbols may be laterally adjacent each other (asin from the same row) or diagonally adjacent each other. They usuallyextend along each row as well as various angled or “zigzag” linesthrough the array. This provides a more interesting and exciting gamethan the old style mechanical machines which traditionally only offereda single payline through the middle row.

[0006] A common feature on gaming machines of this type is the use of“wildcards”. Wildcards are well known in many card games as cards thathave been designated as substitutes for other cards. Similarly, wildcardsymbols appearing in the array of symbols on a gaming machine cansubstitute for other symbols.

[0007] The appearance of a wildcard on any paylines carrying a bet isbeneficial as it increases the probability of forming a winningcombination. Wildcards can also provide an incentive for players toplace bets on most, if not all the available paylines. Each symbol inthe array will usually be part of more than one payline. Therefore, theprobability of a winning payline (that is, a payline which carries a betand shows a winning combination of symbols) is significantly increasedif one or more wildcards appear in an array in which the player has beton all available paylines.

[0008] Seasoned players are now very familiar with these aspects ofcomputerized ‘spinning reel’ type poker machines. In an effort tomaintain player interest, game designers constantly need to incorporatefresh features and operating modes. However, despite this thefundamental operating principles discussed above remain the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided agaming machine which overcomes or ameliorates at least one of thedisadvantages of prior gaming and provides a useful alternative.

[0010] Further, in accordance with the present invention, there isprovided a gaming machine comprising:

[0011] means adapted to display an array of symbols selected randomlyfrom a set of symbols; and

[0012] means adapted to pay winnings on any predetermined winningcombinations appearing in a portion of the array carrying a bet;

[0013] wherein the randomly selected symbols are divided into groups ofat least one symbol such that the groups are sequentially positioned tocomplete the array.

[0014] Still further in accordance with the present invention, there isprovided a method for operating a gaming comprising:

[0015] displaying an array of symbols selected randomly from a set ofsymbols; and

[0016] paying winnings on any predetermined winning combinationsappearing in a portion of the array carrying a bet;

[0017] wherein the randomly selected symbols are divided into groups ofat least one symbol such that the groups are sequentially positioned tocomplete the array.

[0018] Preferably, the groups have at least two adjacent symbols. In afurther preferred form, the number and configuration of the symbols ineach of the groups is randomly selected and the groups are sequentiallypositioned in the incomplete array until it is mostly complete,whereafter wildcard symbols are positioned in the remaining positions tocomplete the array.

[0019] Of course, at least two of the groups may be positioned in thearray simultaneously as long as the construction at the array occurssequentially in the sense of a staged appearance of the symbols. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the term‘sequentially’ throughout the specification encompasses the positioningof the groups in pairs or otherwise.

[0020] In a particularly preferred form, at least one position in thearray is designated as having an associated bonus wherein the associatedbonus is awarded if any winning combinations include a symbol situatedon any of the designated positions. The bonus is associated with each ofthe designated positions include at least one of: a set number of extracredits to be added to the winnings normally awarded for the winningcombination covering the designated position; doubling, tripling orotherwise multiplying the winnings normally awarded for the winningcombination covering the designated position; and a set number of freegames whereby the machine operates without requiring the placement of awager.

[0021] In still further preferred forms, at least one of the groupsconsists entirely of wildcards. In these embodiments of the invention,the volatility of the game is increased if the wildcards multiplywinnings associated with any of the winning combinations in which theyappear by a factor greater than one.

[0022] The volatility of a gaming machine is a reference to the averageamount of any winnings paid by the machine and the frequency thatwinning combinations appear in the array. All gaming machines must overtime, return a percentage of all bets received as winnings. Thispercentage is usually set by government regulation. A high volatilitygaming machine will return this percentage of the bets throughrelatively fewer wins of greater average amounts and conversely a lowvolatility gaming machine will return the set percentage of bets througha higher frequency of lower value wins.

[0023] For added visual interest, the symbols are displayed on simulatedthree dimensional objects. In one embodiment, the three dimensionalobjects are rectangular prisms with symbols shown on every face.

[0024] In some forms, the groups simply appear in the array or they formabove the array and drop down into their intended positions withinarray. The latter situation provides an extra degree of uncertainty andanticipation in the player as the player will not know where a groupwill be positioned in the array until it has stopped moving down thescreen. In this way, if the player sees that the partially completearray has some of the symbols required for a valuable winningcombination and the next group of symbols dropping into positioncontains some or all of the remaining symbols required for the winningcombination, a sense of excitement builds until the group is finallypositioned within the array.

[0025] From the foregoing, it can be seen that gaming machines accordingto the present invention offer a significant departure from conventionalgaming machines which form the random arrangement of symbols through avideo simulation of adjacent spinning reels being brought to a halt. Bycreating the array in stages using a series of groups of symbols, thisoffers the player greater visual interest and provides a basis to raisethe level of excitement and anticipation as the array is ‘constructed’.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed by way of example only with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

[0027]FIG. 1 shows examples of the configuration of groups of symbolsfor use in a gaming machine according to the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 2 shows the vacant array positions into which the groups ofsymbols are positioned;

[0029]FIG. 3 shows an example of groups combining to complete an arrayof symbols according to the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 4 shows a group consisting entirely of wildcard symbols; and

[0031]FIG. 5 shows a vacant array with certain designated arraypositions having associated bonuses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, schematic representations of thegroups of symbols and partially complete array are shown. The partiallycomplete five column, seven row array 6 is shown in FIG. 2. While it isusually the case that the microprocessor has already determined the typeand location of the symbols within the array at the commencement of thegame, the present invention divides the array into groups containing oneor more symbols. FIG. 1 shows four groups of symbols 1, 2, 3 and 4 thatare positioned in the array 6 shown in FIG. 2. The symbols within eachgroup may be the same or different and may also include wildcard symbols5 which can be used to substitute for any of the other availablesymbols. In the present embodiment, the groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 are formedon the screen above the incomplete array 6 and then dropped down intotheir predetermined position. The groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 are formed andpositioned in the array 6 in sequence until the array is complete. Uponcompletion, winnings are awarded to the player for any winningcombinations appearing on any of the paylines (not shown) carrying abet.

[0033] In one embodiment, the number and configuration of the groups israndomly selected and the sequence with which they are positioned in thearray may also be random. This allows the player to observe theincremental build up of the array and watch the groups move intoposition within the array and possibly form a winning combination. Thisserves to heighten the sense of anticipation and excitement experiencedby the player.

[0034] As an additional feature, the machine is suitably programmed toarbitrarily choose a point during the completion of the array where itsimply fills in any vacant positions with wildcards. FIG. 3 shows aportion of the array 6 of FIG. 2. Symbol groups 1 and 4 combine suchthat there is a single vacant array position 7 in this portion of thearray 6. Using this feature, any single positions 7 left vacant in thearray after the groups are positioned can be given wildcards. Inreality, the machine will have already predetermined which positions areto be occupied by wildcards at the commencement of the game. However, byonly revealing all of them to the player as the final step in completingthe array will heighten the player's anticipation.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, another feature of the game may be groups 20of symbols that consist entirely of wildcards. As wildcards cansubstitute for any other symbols, a group of wildcards appearingtogether in an array is likely to form part of many of the availablepaylines. This can be very beneficial for the player, especially if theplayer bets on all available paylines. To further raise volatility ofthe game, in some embodiments, the wildcards are assigned multiplyingfactors greater than one, whereby the usual winnings associated with anywinning combinations containing the wildcard will be multiplied by themultiplying factor. This provides a strong incentive for the player tobet on all paylines, which in turn makes the machine more profitable.

[0036] Another feature made possible by the present invention is shownin FIG. 5. Positions within the vacant array 30 are suitably designatedas having associated bonuses as shown by 31-35. If a winning combinationincludes a symbol on one of the designated positions, which also happensto be on a payline carrying a bet, the player receives the bonusassociated with the designated position. As shown, the bonus is suitablya multiplying factor to double or triple the usual winnings, or simplyadditional credits or free games.

[0037] To add to the visual appeal, in some embodiments, the symbols areshown on simulated three dimensional objects which are then positionedon the vacant sites within the array. In other embodiments, rectangularprisms with symbols shown on each face are conveniently rotated andassembled into the desired groups and then moved into position withinthe array.

[0038] By departing from the long standing traditional method of formingthe array, the present invention provides a gaming machine havingnumerous additional features to enhance a player's interest andenjoyment.

[0039] The invention has been described herein by way of example only.It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown inthe specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. Other features and aspects of this invention will beappreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading and comprehendingthis disclosure. Such features, aspects, and expected variations andmodifications of the reported results and examples are clearly withinthe scope of the invention where the invention is limited solely by thescope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming machine comprising: means adapted todisplay an array of symbols selected randomly from a set of symbols; andmeans adapted to pay winnings on any predetermined winning combinationsappearing in a portion of the array carrying a bet; wherein the randomlyselected symbols are divided into groups of at least one symbol suchthat the groups are sequentially positioned to complete the array.
 2. Agaming machine according to claim 1 wherein the groups have at least twoadjacent symbols.
 3. A gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein thenumber and configuration of to the symbols in each of the groups israndomly selected and the groups are sequentially positioned in theincomplete array until the array is mostly complete, whereafterpredetermined wildcards symbols are positioned in the remaining portionsto complete the array.
 4. A gaming machine according to claim 3 whereinat least one position in the array is designated as having an associatedbonus wherein the associated bonus is awarded in any winningcombinations which include a symbol situated on any of the designatedpositions.
 5. A gaming machine according claim 4 wherein the bonusesassociated with the designated positions include at least one of: a setnumber of extra credits to be added to the winnings normally awarded forthe winning combination covering the designated position; doubling,tripling or otherwise multiplying the winnings normally awarded for thewinning combinations covering the designated position; and a set numberof free games whereby the machine operates without requiring theplacement of wager.
 6. A gaming machine according to claim 5 wherein atleast one of the groups consists entirely of wildcards.
 7. A gamingmachine according to claim 6 wherein the wildcards multiply the winningsassociated with any of the winning combinations in which they appear bya factor greater than one.
 8. A gaming machine according to claim 1wherein the symbols are displayed on simulated three dimensionalobjects.
 9. A gaming machine according to claim 8 wherein the threedimensional objects are rectangular prisms wherein symbols are shown onevery face.
 10. A method for operating a gaming comprising: displayingan array of symbols selected randomly from a set of symbols; and payingwinnings on any predetermined winning combinations appearing in aportion of the array carrying a bet; wherein the randomly selectedsymbols are divided into groups of at least one symbol such that thegroups are sequentially positioned to complete the array.
 11. A methodaccording to claim 10 wherein the groups have at least two adjacentsymbols.
 12. A method according to claim 10 wherein the number andconfiguration of to the symbols in each of the groups is randomlyselected and the groups are sequentially positioned in the incompletearray until the array is mostly complete, whereafter predeterminedwildcards symbols are positioned in the remaining portions to completethe array.
 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein at least oneposition in the array is designated as having an associated bonuswherein the associated bonus is awarded in any winning combinationswhich include a symbol situated on any of the designated positions. 14.A method according claim 13 wherein the bonuses associated with thedesignated positions include at least one of: a set number of extracredits to be added to the winnings normally awarded for the winningcombination covering the designated position; doubling, tripling orotherwise multiplying the winnings normally awarded for the winningcombinations covering the designated position; and a set number of freegames whereby the machine operates without requiring the placement ofwager.
 15. A method according to claim 14 wherein at least one of thegroups consists entirely of wildcards.
 16. A method according to claim15 wherein the wildcards multiply the winnings associated with any ofthe winning combinations in which they appear by a factor greater thanone.
 17. A method according to claim 10 wherein the symbols aredisplayed on simulated three dimensional objects.
 18. A method accordingto claim 17 wherein the three dimensional objects are rectangular prismswherein symbols are shown on every face.